Unlocking Linguistic Horizons

Recently, since I have moved to America, I've noticed many people expressing surprise upon discovering how many languages I speak. I never realized it was such a significant feat, as I had only lived in India and Switzerland before, where it is very common to know multiple languages.

During my school years, I had to study three languages. However, I don't recall having a special interest in languages as a child. My fascination developed a little later, somewhere after high school and has grown significantly in recent years. I took classes for three foreign languages at different points, and with each one, my love for languages has only deepened. Consequently, I find always try to encourage those around me to explore and learn new languages. Often, I am asked how to start learning a new language as an adult.

Here is a little something on it.

Why It Could Be Easier for an Adult to Learn a New Language:

1. Logical and Practical Approach: While the common belief is that it is easier to pick up a language when you are young, adults have the ability to apply a logical and practical approach to language learning. They can grasp grammatical concepts and understand the reasoning behind the intricacies of a language. Adults can set their own goals, strategize their approach, and determine their pace, reducing stress and avoiding feeling compelled or overwhelmed.

2. Comparison and Analogies: Knowing a language already provides a big advantage. Adults can compare the new language with the one they already know, making the learning process easier and enhancing comprehension. Personally, I've always found analyzing the similarities and differences to be my favorite aspect, facilitating a better understanding of the new language.

In essence, adults possess unique advantages in their language-learning journey. Now here are some tips for you for your linguistic adventure,

1. Thoughtfully selecting the language

The first step is of course to decide which language would you like to learn. There are various deciding factors for this. Are you considering learning a language for career prospects in a new country? Is it driven by your love for travel, aiming to enhance your experiences in different parts of the world? Or, perhaps, is it purely rooted in personal interests and passions related to the language itself?

I had 2 options in middle school, and I choose German because it was a foreign language and the most popular in my city which meant it came with broader scope.

Fundamentally, the decision of which language to learn is a nuanced and thoughtful one, influenced by a blend of practical considerations, personal interests, and the availability of educational resources. It's a choice that sets the foundation for a rich and fulfilling language-learning experience.

2. Setting the goal and finding the suitable learning approach

The objectives individuals set for themselves when undertaking language learning are diverse and deeply personal. In my case, each language I chose to learn came with its unique set of goals, shaping my approach to mastering it.

I aimed at fluency and advanced proficiency with German. This choice prompted an intense learning style, involving rigorous study sessions. I wanted to learn Spanish because it sounded very interesting to me (And this was purely from the Latin music). My approach was more relaxed,  such as engaging with Spanish music and casual conversations, without the pressure of stringent academic standards. I choose to take French classes at the hotel school as it could help me with better career prospects and to try something new. I had a mixed approach - blend of industry-specific vocabulary, foundational grammar, and enjoyable, interactive elements.

3. Involving your interests

Connecting your hobbies and interests to the language learning process is crucial for maintaining engagement and integrating the language into your personal life.

I recall my initial Spanish class. Many students shared how the very few words and phrases they knew was through football and Narcos, a popular series then. With the increase in popularity with K-pop and Korean drama these days, a lot of younger people are learning Korean finding inspiration in these songs and series. A personal anecdote - My cousin was overjoyed to use the (barely) 3 Turkish phrases she learned from some Turkish drama, at her layover at the Istanbul airport

To sum it up, your hobbies and interests are going to connect you to the language, bringing joy and fun to learning.

4. Patience and persistence

Learning a new language takes time, and it's normal to feel frustrated initially. It starts with a few words, phrases, and simple sentences before fluent communication level can be achieved. Patience and persistence are key to the journey, and gradual progress will work its magic.

I hope this motivate you to embark on the journey of learning a new language.

Happy learning!